VICTORIA College played host to a grandstand day for the SOCS U18 Rugby Sevens Tournament, which was claimed by London-based St Andrew’s Catholic School, with an impressive five wins from six in the round-robin event.
De La Salle were the other Jersey school involved, with Jersey RFC also competing. But it was the hosts who pushed St Andrew’s closest with four wins.
Victoria College deputy head Patrick Crossley, said: “We were absolutely delighted to get to host this event.
“We put the idea out to schools across the UK with the aim of bringing schools over, hosting the tournament and having a dinner in the Great Hall afterwards.
“It’s a great experience for all involved.
“Our boys and De La Salle got to play competitive rugby against a good standard of opposition, while the UK schools had the chance to travel and play away from home.”
The fast-paced nature of the tournament, just seven-minute halves with one interval, was conducive to breathless rugby.
“It’s tricky to organise full 15-aside matches, especially for teams travelling across,” Crossley added.
“It’s a massive squad, with substitutes as well, so we made the decision to push for the contest to be more rugby sevens based.
“It’s a good new challenge for the boys and I think they performed really well.
“I think, considering they beat the team that won overall, they will be a bit disappointed that they didn’t walk away with the cup.
“But take nothing away from St Andrew’s, they played some really good rugby and deserved to win.
“We would like to thank all the teams that competed this year.
“It was a fantastic event and we would like to extend the invitation to have them all back next year.”
College, despite dropping their opening game to Wells Cathedral School, recovered strongly.
Their highlight undoubtedly came with a 19-14 win against the eventual winners St Andrew’s, the only team to beat them on the day.
That win set up a chance to claim the overall crown, but hopes were dashed after a final-game loss against Guernsey’s Elizabeth College.
Despite defeat to their Sarnian neighbours, the hosts would hold onto second spot from the Guernsey school on points difference.
Meanwhile, De Le Salle College had a disappointing tournament, falling in all six of their matches.
